Man arrested after 11-year-old girl dies in boating accident

Mari-Simon Cronje, who was 11 years old, was killed during an incident at a birthday party at the Princes Club, Bedfont, west London - which will be closed during the ongoing investigation - on Saturday (September 11th) when she was thrown off an inflatable being towed by a speedboat.

Following initial inquiries by the police, the driver of the vessel was arrested and has since been released on bail.

Mari-Simon is believed to have been struck by the tow boat as it performed a sharp turn. She was subsequently airlifted to hospital but died later that day.

Reports suggest that the boat in question only had a driver on board, meaning that the absence of a spotter - someone watching the participants in case problems arise - may be the reason this accident occurred.

Liz Dux, personal injury solicitor at Russell Jones & Walker commented on the story: "This is a tragic accident but sadly not a unique one. I am working on a case at the moment of a young girl who came off an inflatable 'donut' being towed by a speedboat, and now has brain damage and permanent damage to her left arm and leg. These types of accidents are the reason why we need health and safety legislation to protect us and prevent such accidents occurring.”

Contact our accident and injury solicitors on 0800 916 9046 or email enquiries@rjw.co.uk if you would like advice on any personal injury matter